Guides to align masonry walls defining apertures, and methods of use

ABSTRACT

An aperture guide that facilitates alignment of masonry blocks to construct opposing walls of an aperture is disclosed and claimed. Apertures so formed typically are used for placement of windows, doors, and the like. The aperture guide is formed of components that form a parallelogram of varying angles owing to the rotatability of four junction points. When positioned for use, effectively linear edges guide the placement of blocks to result in greater accuracy and precision, with increased worker efficiency. Methods of use also are disclosed and claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The formation of the walls that define an aperture in a buildingconstructed of cement blocks, bricks, and other masonry constructionunits (collectively, “blocks”) utilizes basic measurement and alignmentmethods. For instance, a masonry contractor sets two marks on a row ofblocks already mortared into place, based on the distances from a corneror other established reference point. These marks define two edges ofthe two walls between which is an aperture for a door, a window, oranother type of aperture. Then the masonry contractor lays rows ofblocks such that the end faces of the ending blocks (e.g., those blocksadjacent to the aperture) of each row are approximately in line with therespective mark.

[0002] This and similar methods of measurement and placement of blockshas proved satisfactory until recent changes in communities, counties,and states have enacted more stringent ordinances and/or laws. Thesechanges implement more strict tolerances of the spaces between blocksforming an aperture and the frame or jamb for the window, door, etc.,that is placed into that aperture. For instance, in the State ofFlorida, in response to damages to houses in past hurricanes and as partof an overall effort to construct more hurricane-resistant buildings,new building codes require tighter tolerances. Under some requirements,the tolerance between the masonry wall and the window frame cannotexceed 0.25 inches. While more experienced masonry brick layers canconstruct walls surrounding apertures to meet such tighter standardswithout need to modify the walls to meet an inspector's demands, lessexperienced brick layers have greater problems meeting these standards.This can cause delay and require modification of walls already formed,and/or add to the expense of the project by requiring additionalengineering.

[0003] The present invention provides devices and methods for use ofsuch devices that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and precision ofblock laying around apertures. Both less experienced as well as moreexperienced brick layers can benefit from this invention as they arerequired to meet more stringent building code standards for thetolerances of wall dimensions at apertures.

[0004] As will be appreciated by the disclosure and claims herein, thepresent invention advances the art of masonry construction. The presentart of masonry construction, and of forms of levels related thereto, areexemplified by the following patents, which are incorporated byreference into this specification: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,958,390; 4,176,831;4,329,786; 4,334,397; 4,443,954; 4,443,994; 4,635,414; 4,733,475;4,939,846; 5,009,015; 5,377,462; 5,191,718; 5,527,929; 5,291,718;5,419,713; 5,537,805; 5,542,187; 5,692,357; 6,041,510; and 6,047,478.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention includes guides suitable to assist in thealignment of block walls that define an aperture in a structure built bymasonry construction. The present invention also includes methods of useof such guides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIGS. 1A-1C present perspective, top and close up views of oneembodiment of an aperture guide of the present invention.

[0007] FIGS. 2A-2E present views of the aperture guide of FIG. 1 in useto align new blocks to form an edge of an aperture, including close upviews.

[0008] FIGS. 3A-3C present views of an aperture guide with acontractor's level comprising one block guide. FIG. 3D presents a viewof a modified aperture guide with single, rather than paired, upper andlower parallel connectors, also with a contractor's level comprising oneblock guide.

[0009]FIGS. 4A and 4B present perspective views of two variations of anembodiment of an aperture guide that comprises a yoke connection betweenthe parallel connectors and the opposing block guides. FIGS. 4C-4Fpresent top and side views of two types of yoke connections.

[0010] FIGS. 5A-5D present views of another embodiment of an apertureguide, suitable for longer expanses. FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B isa top view, FIG. 5C is a close up of the area encircled in FIG. 5A, andFIG. 5D is a side view showing the aperture guide in a collapsingorientation.

[0011]FIGS. 6A,B presents perspective and close up views of anotherembodiment of the aperture guide of the present invention, with modifiedparallel connectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following terms are defined for the purposes of use in thisdisclosure. By “effectively linear” is meant that the component to whichthis description is applied has one or more straight and/or alignedsections of edges of its structure that render the component capable ofits intended purpose for linear alignment of one end of a newly placedblock with one or more ends of blocks previously set to form an end of awall, such as to define a side of an aperture. For example, aneffectively linear block guide need not be entirely linear along itsouter edge. However, such block guide must have one or more sufficientlengths that are linear and/or aligned to achieve the intended purposesof: contacting existing, lower blocks already mortared in; and providinga physical reference guide near or against which a “new” block may beplaced to have such block be set in proper alignment. Whereas theexamples presented in this disclosure largely provide for outer edges ablock guide that are continuously linear, this need not be the case fora block guide to be effectively linear. The outer edges may beinterrupted, and/or may be comprised of dimpling, and still beeffectively linear so long as the intended purposes stated herein areachievable.

[0013] Also, as used in this disclosure, “vertical” is intended to havea tolerance suited to the needs of the relevant masonry constructionproject. Depending on the relevant building code, this tolerance may besmaller or larger. Thus, when it is stated that a block guide is“vertical,” “vertically positioned,” or an equivalent, this is taken tomean that this is positioned relative to “true vertical” within atolerance of 0.25 percent to either side, and in less stringentsituations, within a tolerance of 0.50 percent to either side, and ineven less stringent situations, within a tolerance of 1.00 percent toeither side, and in even less stringent situations, within a toleranceof 2.0 percent, to either side. Also, it is noted that the relative lackof accuracy and precision in reading a bubble level on a job sitecontributes to the deviations from “true vertical.” “True vertical” istaken to mean a geometrically accurate vertical positioning.

[0014] Also as used herein, a “right angle,” such as is formed by theparallelogram of the aperture guide when a level is used to align ablock guide to a vertical position, is meant to be formed when a“vertical” positioning or alignment is made within any of the ranges oftolerances defined in the above paragraph.

[0015] Also as used herein, a block guide is taken to mean a devicecapable of assisting in the alignment of bricks, blocks, stone, andother components of a wall structure assembled by mortar. As usedherein, the term “block” is meant to encompass bricks, cement blocks,other types of blocks, stone, and other components capable of assemblyby mortar into a wall. This type of construction is referred to as“masonry construction.”

[0016] All patents, patent applications, publications, texts andreferences discussed or cited herein are understood to be incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication orpatent application was specifically and individually set forth in itsentirety. In addition, all references, patents, applications, and otherdocuments cited in an Invention Disclosure Statement, Examiner's Summaryof Cited References, or otherwise entered into the file history of thisapplication are taken to be incorporated by reference into thisspecification for the benefit of later applications claiming priority tothis application. Finally, all terms not specifically defined are firsttaken to have the meaning given through usage in this disclosure, and ifno such meaning is inferable, their normal meaning.

[0017]FIGS. 1A,B presents one embodiment of the present invention. Theaperture guide, 10, depicted in FIG. 1A is comprised of two effectivelylinear block guides, 12L and 12R, each of which has an outer face, 13,defining a plane, and each of which is rotatingly connected to twoparallel connecting arms, 14U and 14L, at junctions, J1, J2, J3, and J4.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, the upper connecting arm, 14U, iscomprised of a pair of parallel members, 15A and 15B, and the lowerconnecting arm, 14L, is comprised of a pair of parallel members, 17A and17B. A rotating mechanism, depicted in FIG. 1A as a junction pivot, 16,passing through sections of wood pieces, allows the block guides, 12Land 12R, to rotate in relation to the two parallel connectors, 14U and14L. As these pairs of components rotate in relation to each other, theshapes formed by lines connecting junctions J1, J2, J3, and J4 areparallelograms of differing angles.

[0018]FIG. 1B is a top view of the aperture guide depicted in FIG. 1A.It is noted that the outer face, 13, of 12L and 12R extend moreexteriorly than the ends of the parallel members, 15A and 15B, of theupper connecting arm, 14U.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1C, which is a magnification of the encircledarea of FIG. 1A, the right block guide, 12R, is positioned between theends of the parallel members, 15A and 15B, of the upper connecting arm,14U, and is fastened into rotating connection with parallel members, 15Aand 15B by a junction pivot, 16. The junction pivot, 16, may be of anyform of hardware known in the art and suitable for this purpose. Forinstance, the junction pivot, 16, may be comprised of a carriage boltwith a flat washer on each end (and optionally between each adjacentsurface of the struts and the connecting arm), and a hexagonal nut orbutterfly nut affixed to the threaded end of the carriage bolt. This nutthen tightens together the “sandwiched” assembly of 12R and 15A and 15B.Many other forms of a rotatable junction pivot are known in the art. Therotatable junction pivot holds together each end of each connecting armwith at least one component of each block guide at each of thejunctions. Some forms of such rotating pivot junction provide a lockingmeans such that when the aperture guide is in a desired position andangle, it may be reversibly locked in such position at one or more ofthe junctions. For example, placing at least one large wing nut,butterfly nut, or “handle nut” (see, for example, inset FIG. 3B) on thebolts in FIG. 1, so that one or more of the junctions could be readilytightened to reversibly establish a given angular positioning of thestruts in relation to the connecting arms, provides a desired fixedconfiguration of the aperture guide, such as during operations ortransport of the aperture guide. Other forms of such rotatable junctionpivot do not provide for a locking means, although some of these latterforms would have means for adjusting tension at the junctions andthereby the ease of rotating the block guides in relation to the membersof the connecting arms.

[0020] In one specific construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A,B,each of the block guides, 12L and 12R, and each the members, 15A, 15B,17A, and 17B of the two connecting arms, 14U and 14L, is comprised of a1 inch by 3 inch (nominal size) wood piece. Each junction pivot, at J1,J2, J3, and J4, is comprised of a carriage bolt and mating nut, with theshaft of the bolt passing through a hole made in each of the struts andconnecting arms such that a parallelogram is formed.

[0021] In operation, the aperture guide, 10, of FIGS. 1A-C provides aguide of a fixed width to assist in the block laying by a mason of theblock walls on both sides of an opening for placement of a door, window,or other aperture. Typically, a mason will lay a row of blocks thatestablishes the lower edge of a desired aperture (or that is the lastfull row of blocks below the aperture, which may additionally comprise,in final form, a sill, a window frame, a door frame, etc.). This row isidentified as 22 in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Once this row of blocks, which isthe highest block row below the desired aperture, is mortared (orotherwise set) in place, the mason measures and lays blocks thatestablish the left and right edges of the aperture. After blocks of thefirst row, 23, or first and second rows, 23 and 24, adjacent to thedesired aperture are set in place, the aperture guide, 10, is positionedto fit against the blocks of the left and right sides of the aperture,with the bottom ends, 20L and 20R, resting on the aperture corners, 21Land 21R. This is shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2A, in typicaloperation of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, the bottom ends of eachof the block guides, designated by 20L and 20R, initially rest againstblocks of the bottom edge of the aperture, which is the top of blocks ofrow 20, at aperture corners 21L and 21R. This also is shown in FIG. 2A.In variations of the operation of the guides of the present invention,the initial position may be elevated from this corner-resting position.

[0022] A level, L1, not part of the aperture guide of FIG. 1, is placedagainst a straight edge of one of the block guides, 12L or 12R, and theaperture guide is adjusted so that this block guide is vertical. This isa contractor's level or other suitable level. The leveling results inthe formation of a squared rectangle formed by the four junctions,J1-J4, with the planes defined by the outer faces, 13, of both opposingblock guides, 12L and 12R, also being vertical. This is the “squaredposition” of the guide during operation. The angle formed at each of thefour junctions, J1-J4, is a right angle within the tolerances definedabove. Tightening of one or more of the junction pivots, and/or otheravailable approaches, help maintain this squared position.

[0023] Once the aperture guide, 10, is in the squared position, a block,25, is laid on the next row (this can be to the left or right of theaperture being formed), so that the end of the block toward the apertureis within a specified distance from the outer edge of the guide. Thisspecified distance should be within the allowed tolerance of distancesallowed under the relevant local, county, state, and/or federalordinances, rules or laws. As long as the aperture guide remainsundisturbed, blocks are laid within the specified distance from theouter edge of the guide, whether this edge is along the right or leftedge of the aperture guide. As desired and appropriate for theconstruction of the masonry wall, each row of blocks is completed to acorner, other aperture, or an appropriate distance before the nexthighest blocks are placed. After the last row of blocks that define theaperture's height are mortared into place (even while the mortar is wet,and has not cured), a lentil, a joist, or other appropriate structure isplaced across the top of the aperture, to complete its basic formation.Where so designed, a doorjamb, window frame, etc., is inserted into theaperture and secured to the surrounding blocks.

[0024] Another way to operate the guide is described as follows. Asabove, the lower edge and the proper position of the desired apertureare established. After the block row that is the last block row belowthe desired aperture is placed, at least some blocks comprising thefirst, or first and second row of blocks to each side of the apertureare laid. These blocks include the blocks immediately adjacent to theaperture.

[0025] Then the aperture guide is positioned to fit against the blocksof the left and right sides, such as by placing one bottom end of oneblock guide in one bottom corner of the aperture. Then the other bottomof the other block guide is positioned into the opposing corner of theaperture by rotating this side of the aperture guide down so this otherbottom abuts the opposing aperture corner. This establishes the guide ina substantially squared configuration with the block guides beingvertical or nearly vertical. Optionally, or as needed, the guide istilted manually to one side of the aperture. A level may assist thispositioning. Then a block is placed with mortar above the highest blockalready mortared in position, on the side away from the direction of thetilting. Its end toward the aperture is initially set slightly inward,into the aperture, compared to the edge of the block immediately belowit. Then a level is placed along a straight edge of the aperture guide,adjacent to the block just laid. The block guide is then tapped orotherwise brought to a vertical position based on the bubble guide (orother leveling indicator) of the level. This, as needed, pushes theblock just laid to a desired position that is within the desiredtolerance for the walls adjacent this aperture. If the block must bepushed a relatively longer distance to permit the aperture guide to cometo vertical position, the mason optionally can tap the block away fromthe aperture prior to bringing the block guide to its verticalpositioning (or do so for a portion of the required distance, sobringing the block guide to vertical moves the block only the last,smaller portion of the required distance).

[0026] As for the other method described above, after the last row ofblocks that define the aperture's height are mortared into place, alentil, a joist, or other appropriate structure is placed across the topof the aperture, to complete its basic formation. Where so designed, adoorjamb, window frame, etc., is inserted into the aperture and securedto the surrounding blocks.

[0027] It is noted that although the methods described above are thoseconsidered effective, other variations in the method of use of theaperture guide may be employed. For instance, it is not absolutelycritical that a right angle be formed when the block guides are placedparallel against the opposing rows of blocks that define the startingwalls of an aperture. A non-right angle parallelogram may be formed whenthe overall width of the aperture guide is slightly wider than thedesired distance between the side walls. One of the two block guideswill rest somewhat higher than the opposing block guide, but with propervertical alignment and stabilization, the aperture guide does functionin this “non-right angle” configuration.

[0028] It is noted that the friction between the ends of the blocksexposed to the aperture and the outer edges of the aperture guides helpskeep the aperture guides in a desired position, such as its initialposition with the bottom ends of the block guides positioned against therow of blocks that comprise the bottom edge of the aperture (e.g., atcorners 21L and 21R). Often the height of the desired aperture isgreater than the length of the block guides. In such situations theaperture guide can be repositioned taking advantage of this friction.That is, one of the block guides is rotated upward to transiently reducethe width of the aperture guide, then the entire aperture guide israised uniformly, then the block guide on one side is pressed againstthe already formed lower section of the side wall at an elevated pointalong this wall, and the other side is rotated downward and pressedagainst the opposing side wall at an elevated point along this wall, sothe bottom ends of both block guides are at approximately equal heights.The friction between the ends of these higher blocks exposed to theaperture and the outer edges of the aperture guides helps keep theaperture guides in a desired position.

[0029] For example, an elevated position of the aperture guide, 10, isshown in FIG. 2C, which is an enlargement of the encircled region ofFIG. 2B. The area of stabilizing frictional forces is the area where theouter face, 13, of the block guide, 12L and 12R, contacts the alreadyformed blocks of the walls of the aperture. This is shown as area 26 inFIG. 2C. Once so positioned, the aperture guide guides the placement ofhigher rows of blocks facing the aperture, employing either of the abovetwo manners of operation, and/or variations thereof, to properly formthe aperture.

[0030] Where the frictional forces of the outer surfaces of the blockguides are or may be insufficient to keep any of the embodiments of theaperture guide positioned, any of a number of additional stabilizingfeatures optionally is added to the aperture guides. For example,referring to the aperture guide, 10, shown in FIG. 2D (which is amagnification of the encircled area of FIG. 2B, and is modified by theaddition of a stabilizer), a stabilizer, 27, is positioned near thebottom end of 12R. This stabilizer, 27, is comprised of twospring-loaded rubber caps, each assembly identified as 30. A close-up ofone cap assembly, 30, is shown in FIG. 2E. A rubber cap with a convexhead, 29, is fastened to one end of a spring, 28, and the other end ofthe spring, 28, is anchored at the bottom of a hole, 31, in the strut,18A. Once positioned against a block of the already formed aperturewall, the spring, 28, presses out the cap, 29, exerting compressiveforce against the brick wall and contributing to the physicalstabilization of the aperture guide during its use. This enhances theaperture guide's ability to “climb” upwards as more rows of block areformed. It is noted that the gap shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, between theblocks and 12R, would be narrowed once the block guide is pressedagainst the blocks. In such configuration the springs, 28, are applyingforce to the blocks via the caps, 29, and the springs are compressed asthe caps partially retract as compressive force is applied bypositioning of the aperture guide, 10, against the blocks on both sidesof the aperture.

[0031]FIG. 3A depicts an aperture guide, 32, of the present inventionthat incorporates a contractor's level as one of the two block guides.In FIG. 3B, the contractor's level, 33, has its outer edge, 34, thatjuts outward more than the outer face, 13B, of members 15A and 15B ofthe upper connecting arm, 14U(the same applies for the lower connectingarm, 14L). That is, as viewed in the magnified side view, FIG. 3B, theouter edge, 34, of the level, 33, extends further out from the apertureguide, 32 (and thus will be in contact with the blocks), than edges 13Bof 15A and 15B. The outer edge 34 defines a plane, 13P. This plane, 13P,establishes a reference plane to which the ends of the blocks closest tothe aperture are aligned during operation of the aperture guide.

[0032] In other configurations both outer edges 34 and 13B define theplane, 13P. In such embodiments, this plane, 13P, establishes thereference plane to which the ends of the blocks closest to the apertureare aligned during operation of the aperture guide.

[0033] This incorporated contractor's level, 33, allows a user to usebubbles, 35B, 35M and 35T, and preferably the top bubble, 35T, to alignthe guide sides to a vertical orientation without the need to hold aseparate level in alignment with a linear section of a strut, as wasnecessary for the aperture guide, 10, of FIGS. 1A-C, shown in operationin FIG. 2A. This more easily allows a user to construct vertical,parallel masonry walls through proper use of the aperture guide. Inparticular, as noted in the description of operations for the apertureguide, 10, of FIGS. 1A-C, here the blocks are aligned to the outer edge,34, of the left side block guide, 12L, and to the outer edge, 34, of thecarpenter's level, 33. Also, obviously, operations of this apertureguide do not require the use of an independent level since thecontractor's level, 33, is integral with the aperture guide, 32.

[0034] With regard to embodiments of the present invention thatincorporate a level into the aperture guide, it is noted that any level,and any type of leveling mechanism, and any type of leveling technology,such as are known or will become known in the art, may be incorporated.The use of a contractor's level, 33, as shown in FIG. 3A, is meant to beillustrative and not limiting. For instance, a fluid-filled bubble tube,such as is found in common contractor's levels, may be incorporated intoa strut that comprises one of the block guides. For purposes of thisdisclosure, the term “level” is meant to include standard and novellevels so long as they provide a readily determinable gauge of therelative angle of the surface or edge to which it is attached.

[0035]FIG. 3C is an enlargement of the bottom of the level, 33 of FIG.3A. It shows two spring-loaded rubber-cap assemblies, each identified as30. A see-through detail of the top assembly reveals a rubber cap, 29,with a convex head, 29H, integral with a shaft, 29S, in which the shaft,29S, is fastened to one end of a spring, 28. The other end of thespring, 28, is anchored at the bottom of a hole, 31, in the level, 33.As for the aperture guide in FIGS. 2D and 2E, once positioned against ablock of the already formed aperture wall, the spring, 28, presses outthe cap head, 29H, into the brick wall and the spring's force soresulting compressive force against the block(s) helps stabilize theaperture guide, 32. This also enhances the aperture guide's ability to“climb” upwards as more rows of block are formed.

[0036] It is noted that stabilizing devices other than the spring-loadedrubber-cap assembly, 30, may be positioned into a block guide, whetheror not the block guide is a carpenter's level or other leveling devicethat is incorporated into the aperture guide. Also, variations of thespring-loaded rubber-cap assembly, such as conceived and implemented bythose of ordinary skill in the art, are considered to be within thescope of the present invention. For instance, instead of a shaft, 29S,fitting within the void formed by the spring, 28, a recess on the bottomof the convex cap may be used to fit around the circumference of the endof the spring. Many other variations of this type of stabilizer can beenvisioned and are still within the scope of this invention. Likewise,other types of mechanical (exerting compressive force against theblock(s)) and passive (increasing the effective frictional force betweenthe outer face of the block guide(s) and the block(s), such as anapplication of abrasive material to the outer face where it contacts thealready placed blocks) stabilizers, can be implemented by those ofordinary skill in the art and fall within the scope of the inventionclaimed herein.

[0037]FIG. 3D depicts another variation of an aperture guide, 10. Here acarpenter's level, 33, comprises the right block guide. The lowerconnecting arm, 14L, is comprised of only a single member, 17A, spanningbetween 18A and 33. This member, 17A, is shown facing the viewer inrelation to the vertical block guides, 18A and 33. In contrast, thesingle member, 15B, of the top connecting arm, 14U, is shown in an“opposing” orientation, oriented away from the viewer in relation to thevertical block guides, 18A and 33. This variation of the aperture guide,10, may be used where paired members of the connecting arms are notrequired structurally, and a lighter, simpler aperture guide is desired.

[0038]FIG. 4A depicts an aperture guide, 40, of the present invention inwhich the connecting arm struts, 42 and 48, are tubular pipes. Thesetubular pipes are constructed of common materials, including but notlimited to aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, fiberglass, carbon epoxycomposites, and so forth. In FIG. 4A these pipes are of a fixed length,and are not adjustable. However, in variations of this embodiment, thetubular pipes, 42 and 48, may be interchanged with pipes of differentlengths in order for the aperture guide, 40, to guide in the masonryconstruction of different widths of apertures. It is further noted thatfor all embodiments disclosed herein, and additionally for thoseembodiments within the scope of the claims appended hereto, componentsof the connecting arms may be interchanged as desired with differentlengths in order to change the overall effective width of a particularaperture guide such that the aperture guide can be used in the masonryconstruction of different widths of apertures.

[0039] Another feature of the aperture guide, 40, of FIG. 4A are thecurved yokes, 50, that connect the tubular pipes, 42 and 48, to theblock guides, 52L and 52R. Each curved yoke is fixedly (but optionallyremovably) connected at one end, 53, to the ends of pipes 42 and 48. Atthe other end, 54, of each yoke, 50, the yoke is rotatingly connected toa junction pivot, 16. The construction of the junction pivot, 16, is asdescribed above; however, here, due to the yoke configuration and thesingle strut of each block guide, 52L and 52R, the junction pivotconnects two sides of a yoke, 50, to a single block guide positioned inbetween the two sides.

[0040] The yokes, 50, are curved to permit the folding of the apertureguide, such as during transport from one aperture to another aperture,and from one job site to another job site. The arrows alongside theblock guides, 52L and 52R, of FIG. 4A indicate the direction each blockguide would travel in order to fold the aperture guide, 50, for suchtransporting. As desired, the folded aperture guide, 50, can be placedinside a shipping tube, etc., to better protect it. Depending on theoverall curvature of the yoke in relation to the thickness of theconnecting arms, a range of angular curvatures of the yokes will permita more compact folding of the aperture guide for transport and shipping,but will not permit “complete” folding. By complete folding is meantthat in a fully folded position the first and second block guides stacksuch that they are in close and parallel alignment, and there is similarparallel stacking of the upper and lower connecting arms, upon foldingthe aperture guide for transporting or for storage. Thus, as will beapparent through calculation of the effective curvature and span of theyoke (e.g., the yoke angular curvature) in relation to the thickness ofthe connecting arms, a range of yet larger angular curves of the yokeswill permit “complete” folding as herein defined.

[0041]FIG. 4B depicts an aperture guide, 55, of the present invention inwhich each of the tubular pipes, 42 and 48, comprising the connectingarm struts are comprised of a wider tube, 43, a narrower tube, 44,slidably engaging the wider tube, 43, by one end of such narrower tubefitting within an end of the wider tube, 43, and a tightening nut, 45,that is at that end of the wider tube, 43. Markings, 46, are providedalong the narrower tube to indicate the overall width of the apertureguide, 55, when the edge of the tightening nut, 45, aligns with themarkings.

[0042] In variations on the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B, a tighteningnut is not present. When a desired width is set, a nail, screw, rivet,spike or other common hardware item is used to fasten the relationshipbetween the narrower tube, 44, and the wider tube, 43, into which thenarrower tube, 44, is engaged. For instance, a first nail is hammeredthrough the wider tube, 43, where a section of the narrow tube, 44, isslid within. A second nail is similarly hammered through the other(upper, 42, or lower, 44, tubular pipes, as the case may be), to fix theidentical width. This rigidly, but temporarily, fixes the width of theaperture guide. When a second or subsequent width is needed, the samenail hole in the outer tube may be used, and the nail punctures thenarrower tube, 44, at a different point, establishing a second orsubsequent width. Preferably, the narrower tube, 44 is sized to fitsnugly into the wider tube, 43, at or around the middle of the span.

[0043] At the junction pivots, 16, any suitable rotatable connectingmeans is employed. This allows this embodiment to climb between opposingwalls of an aperture being constructed. Also, the embodiments havingadjustable width connecting arm struts, as depicted by the specificembodiment in FIG. 4B, are adjustable to align the masonry constructionof apertures of different widths. For instance, as noted the tighteningnuts, 45, can be tightened hard to establish a desired width between theouter faces, 47, of the block guides, 52L and 52R. So long as thecompression fits so formed between these nuts, 45, and the tubes aremaintained without slippage, the aperture guide will properly functionto guide masonry construction to construct walls forming apertures ofthe desired width.

[0044] However, given the rigors of construction, it is possible thateven well-tightened tightening nuts will loosen over time, or a sharpimpact could inadvertently push one or both smaller diameter pipes, 44,away from their respective tightening nuts.

[0045] Thus, other ways of securely establishing a desired width of aspecific aperture guide for a desired job may be more suitable fortypical construction sites. While, as noted, a nail can be driventhrough each pair of pipes to secure the desired width, other wayscommon to those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed. Forinstance, pre-drilled holes in the narrow tube, 44, that align with oneor several holes of the wider tube, 43, provide a wide range of setwidths that are easily set by a nail, screw, or bolt of a width suitablefor the drilled holes. As a further variation of this approach, severalholes on each of the wider tubes, 43, are drilled at an inch andfractions of an inch based on the overall width of the aperture guidewhen a nail or screw is placed in such holes. Then the holes in thenarrower tubes, 44, are drilled at one-inch intervals. Thus, placementof the nails, screws, or bolts in the half-inch outer hole providesoverall widths in one-inch increments (due to the holes in the narrowertubes) but all having a total width ending in 0.5 inch. Likewise,even-inch widths, widths ending with ¼, ¾, and other fractions of aninch could be readily and reproducibly obtained. Finally, where morestructural support is desired, multiple holes could be drilled in thewider tube to represent the same width, so that more than one nail,screw, or bolt is placed in wider tube (and passes through holes in thenarrower tube) to better, more rigidly secure the tubes together.

[0046]FIGS. 4C and 4D depict the top and side views, respectively, ofthe yoke, 50, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The engagement of the tube,depicted here as 56, with the yoke, 50, at mating point 57, is by anymeans of attachment known to those skilled in the art. As disclosedabove, on option is to have replaceable lengths of tubes, 56, to providedifferent widths of the aperture guide. In FIG. 4C, the cut-away topview of the block guide, 52L, is shown with a bolt, 58, passing throughit and also passing through holes in the yoke (identified as 59 in FIG.4D).

[0047]FIGS. 4E and 4F depict the top and side views, respectively, of atwo-part yoke, 60. The tube, depicted here as 56, is engaged fromopposite sides by each of the two parts of the yoke, and bolts, 61,passing through these provide rigidity to this assembly. In FIG. 4E, thecut-away top view of the block guide, 52L, is shown with a bolt, 58,passing through it and also passing through holes (identified as 59 inFIG. 4F) in both parts of the yoke. A butterfly nut, 62, is showntightening this yoke-to-block guide junction. The bolt, nut, and anywashers comprise the previously described “junction pin.” It is notedthat FIGS. 4D and 4F are shown without the respective bolts and nuts inorder to show the hole, 59.

[0048] FIGS. 5A-C depict an aperture guide, 70, suitable, for example,for guiding block construction of wider expanses. The aperture guide,70, is comprised of left and right block guides, 72L and 72R,respectively. An upper connecting arm, 71U, is comprised of left andright parts, 73UL and 73UR, respectively. A lower connecting arm, 71L,is comprised of left and right parts, 73LL and 73LR, respectively. Theupper and lower connecting arms, 71U and 71L, each are comprised ofpaired left and right members, 74A and 74B, and 75A and 75B for theupper connecting arm, 71U, and 76A and 76B, and 77A and 77B for thelower connecting arm, 71L, respectively. The juncture of the left andright sides of both connecting arms is made by hinges, 80U and 80L, thatare positioned on the bottom side of such junctures. Details of thejuncture and the hinge, 80U, are shown in FIG. 5C. Also shown is a hookand loop strapping fastener, 82 and 83, which may be used to furthersecure the juncture and the connecting arm in its outstretched, openposition.

[0049] The junctions of the block guides, 72L and 72R, with the ends ofthe connecting arms, 71U and 71L, are rotatable, as described for otherembodiments, above. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5D, the aperture guide, 70,can be compressed for transportation and storage by hingedly rotatingthe structure upwardly from its center, i.e., from hinges 80U and 80L.Completing this compression will result in the bottoms of the left andright sides of the connecting arms coming to a close, nearly parallel orparallel alignment. The block guides, 72L and 72R, also will come closertogether.

[0050] As noted above, the hinges, 80U and 80L, hingedly connect theleft and right sides of the aperture guide depicted in FIGS. 5A-D. Thishinged connection is at or around the middle of the horizontal span. Alevel comprises the right block guide, 72R, although in other variationsof this hingedly connecting embodiment a level is not integral, andrather is independent and used as needed to bring the aperture guide,70, to proper alignment. FIG. 5B, a top view, shows two parallel lengthsof wood for each of the left, 73UL, and right, 73UR, sides of connectingarm 71U. In other variations of this hingedly connecting embodiment,only one length is provided for each section of connecting arms, ratherthan two parallel lengths.

[0051]FIG. 6A depicts another variation of a hingedly connectingaperture guide, 100. A left block guide, 102, is comprised of one pieceof wood (or other suitable material). At each of two junction points,105, the left block guide, 102, is joined, as by bolting, to the leftend of each of two horizontal connecting arms, 106UL and 106LL. At theopposite end of each of 106UL and 106LL, each of these arms engage tworight horizontal connecting arms, 108UR1 and 108UR2 for 106UL, and108LR1 and 108LR2 for 106LL. Each pair of these four right connectingarm members attach, or otherwise merge, into a single plate, 107U forthe upper arms, and 107L for the lower arms. These plates, 107U and107L, are joined, as by bolting, at junctions, 105, to the right blockguide, 110 (which is depicted as a level).

[0052] The rotatable connections at each of the four junctions, 105,allows for this aperture guide, 100, to rotate into position for use toguide and align the placement of blocks, as described for anotherembodiment of the aperture guide, above.

[0053]FIG. 6B provides a see-through, enlarged detail of the attachmentof the right to left connecting arms, 108UR1 and 108UR2 to 106UL (whichis identical to 108LR1 and 108LR2 to 106LL). A bolt, 114, is tightenedby a butterfly nut, 115, under which lies a washer, 116. Adjacent tothis is a readily removable L-shaped pin, 117. In place, this pin aidsin stabilizing the aperture guide, 100. For break-down of the apertureguide, 100, for transport from one aperture to the next, or from one jobsite to the next (or to a storage site), both pins, 117, are removed,the butterfly nut, 115, is loosened, and the two halves of the apertureguide hingedly fold toward one another. Also, it is noted that anotherway to break down the aperture guide, 100, of FIG. 6A is to disassembleboth pins, 116, and both bolts, 114, from both the upper and lowerconnecting arm assemblies. Then the left connecting arms slide betweenthe respective right connecting pairs of arms, to a desired point. Forinstance, the right ends of the left arms can reach the right blockguide, and be secured there (as by passing pins through holes drilled atthat point). Alternately, the right ends of the left arms can continuetheir travel until stopped by the meeting of the left with the rightblock guides. This position likewise is secured by any convenient meansknown to those of skill in the art.

[0054] For all embodiments of the aperture guide, is noted that a tube,a solid piece of wood, a hollow structure of a different cross-sectionalshape, and so forth, may be substituted one for another as appropriate.Also, a tube comprising most of the span of a connecting arm may engageand merge into rectangular piece of wood which itself connects to ablock guide, or the opposite may be designed, where the tube ultimatelyconnects to a block guide. Also, regarding the alignment surfacesinvolved in contacting the already set “reference” blocks and the “new”block being mortared and aligned into place with use of the presentinvention, it is noted that such surfaces need not be flatly planar norcontinuous to be effectively linear. For example, a dimpled surface thatnonetheless defines a plane may be used to contact the blocks, andseparate dimpled surfaces may be linearly aligned, one to contact the“reference” blocks, and one to align the “new” blocks, where suchseparate surfaces are separated physically (such as by interruption by athird component of the block guide) but are maintained or brought into aco-planar alignment to become effectively linear for the intendedpurpose of this invention.

[0055] For the above variations and in other regards, it should beunderstood that the examples and embodiments described herein are forillustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes inlight thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are tobe included within the spirit and purview of this application and thescope of the appended claims.

[0056] Also, although only a few exemplary embodiments of this inventionhave been described in detail above, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included in the scope of this invention as defined in thefollowing claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses andstep-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function and to cover notonly structural equivalents, but also to cover equivalent structures.Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be equivalent structures inthat a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden partstogether, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environmentof fastening wood parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalentstructures.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aperture guide for alignment of blocks formingmasonry constructed opposing side walls that define an aperture, saidaperture guide comprising: a. a first block guide comprising a firstouter edge adjustable to a vertical orientation in said aperture; b. asecond block guide comprising a second outer edge adjustable to avertical orientation in said aperture; c. an upper connecting armcomprising two ends, spanning a distance, and engaging at a firstjunction the first block guide at one end and engaging at a secondjunction the second block guide at the other end; and d. a lowerconnecting arm comprising two ends, spanning a distance, and engaging ata third junction the first block guide at one end and engaging at afourth junction the second block guide at the other end; wherein aparallelogram shape is defined by the four junctions, and wherein a setdistance between the first and second outer edges defines a desireddistance between said opposing side walls.
 2. The aperture guide ofclaim 1, wherein the set distance is established when a right angle isformed at each of the four junctions.
 3. The aperture guide of claim 1,wherein the first and second edges are effectively linear.
 4. Theaperture guide of claim 1, wherein the first block guide or the secondblock guide, or both, are comprised of a level.
 5. The aperture guide ofclaim 4, wherein said level additionally comprises said first outer edgeor said second outer edge.
 6. The aperture guide of claim 1, wherein theupper and the lower connecting arms additionally comprise means foradjustment of the distance spanned.
 7. The aperture guide of claim 1,wherein lengths of the upper and the lower connecting arms areinterchangeable with a selection of lengths, enabling said apertureguide to be utilized for the placement of blocks for apertures ofdifferent desired distances between the side walls.
 8. The apertureguide of claim 1, additionally comprising at least one stabilizer on theouter face of said first or second block guide, wherein said stabilizerincreases the compressive force exerted by the aperture guide against atleast one block against which the aperture guide is placed.
 9. Theaperture guide of claim 1, additionally comprising at least onestabilizer on the outer face of said first or second block guide,wherein said at least one stabilizer is comprised of a spring positionedin a hole in recessed into said outer face, a shaft at least partiallysliding into a cylindrical void defined by the spring, and a convex domeintegral with the shaft and oriented to protrude from said hole, whereinupon compression of said convex dome by positioning against a block, thespring exerts a compressive counterforce that adds to the positionalstabilization of the aperture guide.
 10. The aperture guide of claim 1,additionally comprising upwardly curving yokes at the ends of the upperand the lower connecting arms connecting to the first block guide atsaid first and third junctions, respectively, and downwardly curvingyokes at the ends of the upper and the lower connecting arms connectingto the second block guide at said second and fourth junctions,respectively.
 11. The aperture guide of claim 10, wherein said upwardlycurving yokes and said downwardly curving yokes have an angular curvethat offsets the thickness of the upper and lower connecting arms,resulting in a parallel stacking of the first and second block guides,and the upper and lower connecting arms, upon folding the aperture guidefor transporting or for storage.
 12. The aperture guide of claim 10,wherein the upper and the lower connecting arms additionally comprisemeans for adjustment of the distance spanned.
 13. The aperture guide ofclaim 10, wherein lengths of the upper and the lower connecting arms areinterchangeable with a selection of lengths, enabling said apertureguide to be utilized for the placement of blocks for apertures ofdifferent desired distances between the side walls.
 14. A method foraligning blocks during masonry construction to form side walls of anaperture in a wall, comprising: a. along a wall being constructed,establishing desired positions for first and second bottom corners ofsaid aperture; b. setting with mortar a first block in place at one thetwo desired positions, thus forming said first bottom corner of theaperture; c. setting with mortar a second block in place at the other ofthe two desired positions, thus forming said second bottom corner of theaperture; d. placing into said aperture, against said first and secondblocks, an aperture guide comprised of
 1. a first block guide comprisinga first outer edge adjustable to a vertical orientation in saidaperture;
 2. a second block guide comprising a second outer edgeadjustable to a vertical orientation in said aperture;
 3. an upperconnecting arm comprising two ends, spanning a distance, and engaging ata first junction the first block guide at one end and engaging at asecond junction the second block guide at the other end; and
 4. a lowerconnecting arm comprising two ends, spanning a distance, and engaging ata third junction the first block guide at one end and engaging at afourth junction the second block guide at the other end; wherein aparallelogram shape is defined by the four junctions, and wherein a setdistance between the first and second outer edges defines the desireddistance between the side walls e. aligning said first and second outeredges to a vertical orientation while the first and second outer edgescontact the sides of the first and second blocks, respectively, thatdefine the aperture width; f. setting with mortar a new block in place,aligned with and above said first or said second block; g. as needed,adjusting the alignment of the side of said new block closest to saidalignment guide by visual, by physical, or both comparison to theposition of the outer edge of the block guide closest to said new block,to orient said side of said new block to be aligned with said outer edgeof said closest block guide; h. as needed, re-aligning said first andsecond outer edges to a vertical orientation while the first and secondouter edges contact the sides of blocks forming the edges of theopposing walls that are being formed to define the aperture; and i.repeating steps f through h until the two opposing walls defining theaperture are constructed.
 15. The method of claim 14, additionallycomprising setting with mortar and first additional block above thefirst block, and a second additional block above the second block,before placing said aperture guide against said first and second blocks,thereby providing a greater supporting surface for said aperture guide.16. The method of claim 14, additionally comprising completing a row ofblocks to a specified endpoint or corner, where such row includes saidfirst block and said second block, before placing said aperture guideagainst said first and second blocks.
 17. The method of claim 14,additionally comprising setting in place a lintel above said twoopposing walls.